Many locals would have preferred had the Seapoint man been cast out; a stout defensive display, highlighted by a tackle that almost dismembered his opposite number, silenced many doubters.

Keith Earls

Slowly recovering the type of peak form expected of a player who grew up shadowed by this famous stadium; his calm finish at the outset settled his nerves, not to mention those of team-mates and fans.

Casey Laulala

Relied less upon the Hail Mary offloads and more upon the mere devotion to fulfilling the team mantra served upon the day, one that sought to do every little thing simply and well. Tackled demonically.

James Downey

A player who sums up Munster's fitful spirits this term; so much has been expected but the final product has proved elusive. Feeling persists that the Reds have a more effective attacking 10-12 axis.

Simon Zebo

Like Earls, slowly recovering his poise and confidence after frustrations with injury, the return of his goose-stepping giddiness is good news for the sport in general and Munster in particular.

Ian Keatley

O'Connell referenced the importance of the early place-kicks; Penney highlighted the general influence with which he directed his team. A red- letter day in the north Dubliner's career.

Conor Murray

While allowances must be moderated by pity for Toulouse, Murray's display still drew breath. He strode the stage like a colossus and was directly responsible for three of the crucial early blows.

Dave Kilcoyne

Still the nagging suggestion that the 'Killer' moniker can be a tad too appropriate, but then what is a contemporary Irish loose-head without a bit of wildness?

DamiEn Varley

Was struggling all week with foot issues so to put in the shift he did represented a voluble tribute to his indefatigable spirit; secure line-out work ensured Munster's maul reaped just reward.

BJ Botha

His old Springbok adversary caused him endless problems, not always, if ever, by the book but by the end of the piece he was utterly dominant, regardless of any skulduggery employed.

David Foley

One of the emerging forces of this Munster outfit, Foley has been charged with taming his discipline, not only in penalty concessions but in activity at rucks. Both elements combined to good effect here.

Paul O'Connell

That he was still looking for work – albeit joking that he was also still looking at the clock – when scoring a late try, reflects the extraordinary levels of fitness he has reached. Early steal set tone.

Peter O'Mahony

So stunning for him to receive a sickening blow to the shoulder after that early line-out steal, particularly as the pre-match concern had centred on his hamstring. Team wobbled but coped without him.

Tommy O'Donnell

Improved on his virtually anonymous display a week earlier, when his failed impression mirrored that of his team-mates. And, like Munster, he will need to improve upon this display too.

James Coughlan

Sentiment dictates that he should probably get the Ireland cap so many sterling European performances deserve; that will not happen and Heineken Cup opponents are feeling the brunt of it.